JP5348211B2 - Developer cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

In a developing cartridge, a first supporting member is attached to a housing and has a first developing supporting portion and a driving-force-receiving-member supporting portion, the first developing supporting portion being configured to rotatably support a first part of a rotational shaft, the driving-force-receiving-member supporting portion being configured to rotatably support a driving-force-receiving member. The second supporting member is attached to the housing and has a second developing supporting portion and a detection-rotational-body supporting portion, the second developing supporting portion being configured to rotatably support a second part of the rotational shaft, the detection-rotational-body supporting portion being configured to rotatably support a detection rotational body.

Description

  The present invention relates to a developing cartridge mounted on an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system.

  Conventionally, an electrophotographic printer in which a developing cartridge is detachably mounted is known. The developing cartridge includes a frame, various rollers such as a developing roller supported in the frame, and a gear mechanism unit that is provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the frame and rotates the various rollers.

  As such a developing cartridge, for example, the gear mechanism unit includes an input coupling for inputting driving force to various rollers, and a detection gear for determining whether the developing cartridge is old or new, and the gear mechanism unit includes: A developing cartridge supported by a support shaft (an input coupling shaft, a developing roller shaft, etc.) protruding leftward from the left side wall of the frame has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Such a developing cartridge is assembled by assembling various rollers, a gear mechanism, and other members on a frame provided with a support shaft.

JP 2009-288549 A

  However, in the developing cartridge described in Patent Document 1 described above, both the input coupling and the detection gear are provided on the same side wall (left side wall) of the frame.

  Therefore, it is necessary to secure a space for providing both the input coupling and the detection gear on the side wall of the frame, and it is difficult to further reduce the size of the developing cartridge.

  On the other hand, when the input coupling and the detection gear are provided on both side walls of the frame, the developing cartridge can be reduced in size. However, it is necessary to provide support shafts protruding from the side walls on both side walls of the frame. .

  Therefore, the support shafts provided on both side walls may be damaged when the frame is transported.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge capable of preventing the passive cartridge support portion and the detected rotating body support portion from being damaged while reducing the size of the developing cartridge.

(1) In order to achieve the above-described object, a developing cartridge according to the present invention includes a housing configured to contain a developer, a rotating shaft extending in a first direction, and a first side and the first A developing roller having a rotating shaft having a second side opposite to the first side in one direction; a first developing support portion rotatably supporting the first side of the developing roller; and driving from the outside A passive member support portion that rotatably supports a passive member for receiving a force, and rotatably supports the first support member mounted on the housing and the second side of the developing roller. A second support member that has a second developing support portion and a detected rotating body support portion that rotatably supports the detected rotating body to be detected by an external detection means, and is mounted on the casing And.

  According to such a configuration, the passive member is supported by the first support member, and the detected rotating body is supported by the second support member, so that the passive member is developed on the first side of the developing roller and the detected rotating body is developed. Each can be arranged on the second side of the roller.

  Therefore, the housing can be downsized and the developing cartridge can be downsized.

  Moreover, the 1st support member which has a passive member support part, the 2nd support member which has a to-be-detected rotating body support part, and a housing | casing are provided separately. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the passive member support part and the detected rotating body support part from being damaged during the transport of the housing.

Therefore, the developing cartridge of the present invention can prevent the passive member support portion and the detected rotating body support portion from being damaged while achieving a reduction in size.
(2) Moreover, the said to-be-detected rotary body may be arrange | positioned so that at least one part may overlap with the said passive member when it projects in the said 1st direction.

According to such a configuration, the detected rotating body and the passive member can be arranged at positions close to each other when projected in the first direction, and the cartridge can be further downsized.
(3) The passive member may be a coupling member for receiving a driving force from the outside from the first side.

  According to such a configuration, since the first support member includes the coupling member and the first development support portion, the relative position between the coupling member and the development roller supported by the first development support portion. The relationship can be kept constant.

Therefore, the external driving force input to the coupling member can be accurately transmitted to the developing roller.
(4) Further, the second support member may be formed of a conductive material, and electric power from the outside may be supplied to the detected rotating body support portion.

According to such a configuration, since power can be supplied from the outside to the detected rotating body support portion using the second support member, the number of parts can be reduced.
(5) Moreover, the said 1st supporting member and the said 2nd supporting member may be formed so that the shape when projected in the said 1st direction may become the same.

According to such a configuration, since the first support member and the second support member support the first side and the second side of the rotating shaft extending in the first direction, it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the developing roller with respect to the housing. Can be planned.
(6) Moreover, each of the first support member and the second support member has a positioning portion that is positioned with respect to the casing.

  In this case, the positioning portion of the first support member and the positioning portion of the second support member are arranged so as to coincide with each other when projected in the first direction.

  According to such a configuration, the first support member and the second support member are accurately positioned with respect to the housing.

Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the developing roller with respect to the housing can be improved.
(7) Moreover, the said 1st supporting member and the said 2nd supporting member may be shape | molded from the same type | mold to the same shape.

  According to such a configuration, since the first support member and the second support member are formed from the same mold, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, the positioning accuracy of the developing roller relative to the housing can be further improved.
(8) Further, the first support member is disposed opposite to the first direction one side of the housing on the other side surface in the first direction, and the second support member is disposed on the one side surface in the first direction. The housing may be disposed to face the other side in the first direction.

According to such a configuration, since the first support member and the second support member are disposed on both sides in the first direction of the casing, it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the developing roller with respect to the casing.
(9) Further, the passive member support portion is formed to protrude from the one side surface in the first direction of the first support member to the one side in the first direction, and the detected rotating body support portion is the second support member. It may be formed so as to protrude from the other side surface in the first direction to the other side in the first direction.

  In this case, a first protrusion having the same shape as the detected rotating body support portion is provided on the other side surface in the first direction of the first support member, and on the one side surface in the first direction of the second support member. Is provided with a second protrusion having the same shape as the passive member support.

  Further, a first accommodation hole capable of accommodating a first protrusion is formed on one side surface in the first direction of the housing, and a second protrusion is formed on the other side surface in the first direction of the housing. A second accommodation hole that can accommodate the portion is formed.

According to such a configuration, the first support member and the second support member are securely attached to the housing even if the first support member and the second support member are formed from the same mold, though the configuration is simple. be able to.
(10) The first protrusion is fitted into the first receiving hole so as to position the first support member, and the second protrusion is positioned to position the second support member. The second accommodation hole may be fitted.

  According to such a structure, since the 1st protrusion part of a 1st support member is accommodated in the 1st accommodation hole of a housing, the improvement of the positioning accuracy with respect to the 1st direction one side surface of the housing of a 1st support member is aimed at. Can do.

  Moreover, since the 2nd protrusion part of a 2nd support member is accommodated in the 2nd accommodation hole of a housing, the improvement of the positioning precision with respect to the 1st direction other side surface of the housing of a 2nd support member can be aimed at.

Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the developing roller with respect to the housing can be improved.
(11) Moreover, you may provide the cover member which coat | covers at least one part of the said passive member or the said to-be-detected rotary body.

  In this case, the cover member is fixed to the casing so as to sandwich at least a part of the first support member or the second support member between the cover member and the casing.

According to such a configuration, the first support member and the second support member can be reliably fixed to the housing. Therefore, the first support member and the second support member can be prevented from falling off from the casing, and the positioning accuracy of the developing roller with respect to the housing can be improved.
(12) In addition, the casing may be disposed outward in the first direction so as to face at least a part of an outer peripheral edge of the first support member or the second support member in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. You may have the protrusion which protrudes toward.

  According to such a configuration, since at least a part of the outer peripheral edge of the first support member or the second support member faces the protrusion, the first support member in which a part of the outer edge faces the protrusion. Alternatively, the movement of the second support member in the direction orthogonal to the first direction can be restricted.

Therefore, it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the first support member or the second support member with respect to the housing.
(13) The second support member may include a covering portion that protrudes to the other side in the first direction so as to cover the second side of the rotating shaft.

  According to such a configuration, the second support member can reliably support the other end portion in the first direction of the developing roller.

  For this reason, it is possible to further improve the positioning accuracy of the developing roller with respect to the housing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the passive cartridge support portion and the detected rotating body support portion from being damaged while the developing cartridge can be reduced in size.

It is a sectional side view showing one embodiment of a printer. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the developing cartridge of the present invention as viewed from the upper left side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view seen from the upper left side of the drive unit shown in FIG. 2. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from the upper right side of the electric power feeding unit shown in FIG. (A) is the perspective view seen from the upper right side of the bearing member shown in FIG. 4, (b) is the perspective view seen from the upper left side of the electrode member shown in FIG. (A) is the perspective view seen from the rear upper side of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 2, (b) is a right side view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. (A) The perspective view seen from the upper right side of the bearing member (electrode member) in 2nd Embodiment of the developing cartridge of this invention, (b) is the perspective view seen from the upper left side of the bearing member shown to (a). It is. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the positional relationship of the 1st flame | frame and a bearing member (electrode member) in 2nd Embodiment of the developing cartridge of this invention. It is the perspective view seen from the lower right side of the right side wall of the 1st frame shown in FIG.

1. Overall Configuration of Printer As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 is a horizontal type direct tandem type color printer.

  In the following description, when referring to the direction, the left side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is the front side and the right side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is the rear side, based on the state where the printer 1 is placed horizontally. In addition, when the printer 1 is viewed from the front side, the left and right reference is used. That is, the front side in FIG. 1 is the right side and the back side is the left side.

The printer 1 includes a paper feeding unit 3 for feeding the paper S and an image forming unit 4 for forming an image on the fed paper S in the main body casing 2.
(1) Main Body Casing The main body casing 2 is formed in a box shape having a substantially rectangular shape in side view that accommodates the paper feeding unit 3 and the image forming unit 4. A main body opening 5 for attaching and detaching each process cartridge 11 (described later) is formed at the upper end of the main body casing 2. A top cover 6 that opens and closes the main body opening 5 is provided at the upper end of the main body casing 2 so as to be swingable with the rear end as a fulcrum.
(2) Paper Feed Unit The paper feed unit 3 includes a paper feed tray 7 that is detachably attached to the bottom of the main body casing 2 and that stores the paper S. A pickup roller 8 and a pair of paper feed rollers 9 are provided above the front end of the paper feed tray 7. In addition, a pair of registration rollers 10 are provided on the upper side of both paper feed rollers 9.

The sheets S stored in the sheet feeding tray 7 are fed one by one toward the registration rollers 10 by the rotation of the pickup roller 8 and the both sheet feeding rollers 9, and at a predetermined timing, the image forming unit 4. It is conveyed toward a photosensitive drum 15 (described later) and a conveyor belt 19 (described later).
(3) Image Forming Unit The image forming unit 4 includes a process cartridge 11, an LED unit 12, a transfer unit 13, and a fixing unit 14 corresponding to each color.
(3-1) Process Cartridge Each process cartridge 11 can be attached to and detached from the main casing 2 and is arranged in parallel on the upper side of the paper feed unit 3 at intervals along the front-rear direction. Each process cartridge 11 includes a drum cartridge 24 and a developing cartridge 25 that is detachably attached to the drum cartridge 24.

  The drum cartridge 24 includes a photosensitive drum 15 and a scorotron charger 26.

  The photosensitive drum 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is long in the left-right direction, and is rotatably provided in the drum cartridge 24.

  The scorotron charger 26 is disposed opposite to the rear side of the photosensitive drum 15 with an interval.

  The developing cartridge 25 includes a developing roller 16.

  The developing roller 16 includes a metallic developing roller shaft 30 (an example of a rotating shaft) extending in the left-right direction (first direction), and is provided so as to be exposed from the rear side at the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 25. The drum 15 is in contact with the front upper side.

  As will be described in detail later, the developing roller 16 is rotatably supported on a cartridge frame 31 (described later) by rotatably supporting both left and right ends of the developing roller shaft 30 on both side walls 36. Yes.

  Further, the developing cartridge 25 includes a supply roller 27 that supplies toner to the developing roller 16 and a layer thickness regulating blade 28 that regulates the thickness of the toner supplied to the developing roller 16, and a toner accommodating portion 79 provided above them. Inside, a toner as an example of a developer is accommodated, and an agitator 80 for stirring the toner is provided.

  The supply roller 27 includes a metal supply roller shaft 29 extending in the left-right direction, and is in contact with the developing roller 16 from the front upper side.

  The layer thickness regulating blade 28 is in contact with the developing roller 16 from the upper rear side.

  The agitator 80 includes an agitator shaft 76 that extends in the left-right direction, and a stirring blade 77 that extends from the agitator shaft 76 to the radially outer side of the agitator shaft 76.

Although the supply roller 27 and the agitator 80 will be described in detail later, the supply roller shaft 29 and the agitator shaft 76 are rotatably supported by the cartridge frame 31 (described later) by being supported by the side walls 36, respectively. ing.
(3-2) LED Unit Each LED unit 12 is provided on the rear upper side of the corresponding process cartridge 11 so as to face the corresponding photosensitive drum 15 from above. Each LED unit 12 exposes the surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum 15 based on predetermined image data.
(3-3) Transfer Unit The transfer unit 13 is disposed along the front-rear direction on the upper side of the paper feeding unit 3 and below the process cartridges 11. The transfer unit 13 is opposed to each of the photosensitive drums 15 from a driving roller 17 and a driven roller 18 that are opposed to each other with a space in the front-rear direction, and an upper portion thereof is in contact with each photosensitive drum 15. As described above, a conveyor belt 19 is provided around the drive roller 17 and the driven roller 18. The conveyor belt 19 is moved by the driving roller 17 so that the upper part in contact with each photosensitive drum 15 moves from the front side toward the rear side.

The transfer unit 13 includes four transfer rollers 20 that face the photosensitive drums 15 with the upper portion of the transport belt 19 interposed therebetween.
(3-4) Fixing Unit The fixing unit 14 is provided on the rear side of the transfer unit 13 and includes a heating roller 21 and a pressure roller 22 that is pressed against the heating roller 21.
(4) Image Forming Operation The toner in the developing cartridge 25 is supplied to the supply roller 27 and further supplied to the developing roller 16, and is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller 27 and the developing roller 16.

  The toner supplied to the developing roller 16 is regulated by the layer thickness regulating blade 28 as the developing roller 16 rotates, and is carried on the surface of the developing roller 16 as a thin layer having a constant thickness.

  On the other hand, the surface of each photosensitive drum 15 is uniformly charged by the scorotron charger 26 and then exposed by the LED unit 12. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 15. The toner carried on the developing roller 16 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of each photosensitive drum 15, whereby a toner image (developer image) is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 15.

  The sheet S fed from the sheet feeding unit 3 is transported from the front side to the rear side by the transport belt 19. The toner images of the respective colors are sequentially transferred onto the sheet S when passing between the photosensitive drums 15 and the transfer rollers 20 (transfer positions), thereby forming a color image.

  The color image transferred onto the paper S in the transfer unit 13 is heat-fixed on the paper S by being heated and pressed when the paper S passes between the heating roller 21 and the pressure roller 22. The

Thereafter, the sheet S is conveyed so as to make a U-turn to the front upper side, and is discharged onto a discharge tray 23 provided on the top cover 6.
2. Details of the Developing Cartridge As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the developing cartridge 25 includes a cartridge frame 31 as an example of a housing, a drive unit 32 disposed on the left side of the cartridge frame 31, and a right side of the cartridge frame 31. The power supply unit 33 is provided.

In the description of the developing cartridge 25, when referring to the direction, the side on which the developing roller 16 is disposed is the rear side of the developing cartridge 25, and the side on which the layer thickness regulating blade 28 is disposed is the upper side. That is, the up / down / front / rear direction with respect to the developing cartridge 25 is different from the up / down / front / rear direction with respect to the printer 1, and the developing cartridge 25 is arranged so that the rear side is the lower back side of the printer 1 The drum cartridge 24 is mounted.
(1) Cartridge frame The cartridge frame 31 is formed in a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction. The cartridge frame 31 includes a first frame 34 that forms the lower side of the cartridge frame 31, and a second frame 35 that forms the upper side of the cartridge frame 31.
(1-1) First Frame The first frame 34 integrally includes a pair of left and right side walls 36 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), a front wall 37, and a lower wall 38. It is formed in a box shape that opens toward the front.

  Both side walls 36 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view extending in the up-down and front-rear directions, and are opposed to each other with a space in the left-right direction.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the both side walls 36 are provided with a supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 and a developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 in the rear portion thereof, and the agitator shaft exposure is formed in the front portion thereof. A hole 41 is formed.

  The supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view at the lower rear end portion of the side wall 36. The length of each side of the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 is formed longer than the diameter of the end portion in the left-right direction of the supply roller shaft 29. As shown in FIG. 4, the left end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 protrudes leftward from the left side wall 36 (hereinafter referred to as the left side wall 36L) through the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39. As shown in FIG. 5, the right end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 is disposed in the right side wall 36 (hereinafter, referred to as the right side wall 36 </ b> R) in the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 is cut out into a substantially U shape in a side view opened to the rear upper side from the upper rear end portion of the side wall 36 toward the front lower side. Yes. The groove width (vertical length) of the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 is formed wider than the diameter of the end portion in the left-right direction of the developing roller shaft 30. The left and right end portions of the developing roller shaft 30 are exposed to the outside in the left and right direction from the side wall 36 via the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the left end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 protruding leftward from the left side wall 36L is formed as a left exposed portion 74 as an example of the first side, and as shown in FIG. A right end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 protruding rightward from the right side wall 36R is formed as a right exposed portion 75 as an example of the second side.

  The agitator shaft exposure hole 41 is formed to penetrate in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side. The diameter of the agitator shaft exposure hole 41 is formed larger than the diameter of the end portion in the left-right direction of the agitator shaft 76. The left and right end portions of the agitator shaft 76 protrude from the side wall 36 outward in the left and right direction through the agitator shaft exposure hole 41.

  Further, the side walls 36 are provided with a flange portion 44 as an example of a protruding portion, an engaging portion 47, a screw hole 48, and a fitting hole 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flange portion 44 includes an upper flange portion 58 provided at the upper end portion of the both side walls 36, and a lower flange portion 59 provided at the lower end portion and the rear end portion of the right side wall 36 </ b> R. It has.

  Each upper flange 58 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape that protrudes outward in the left-right direction continuously from the upper ends of the side walls 36. Moreover, the upper side collar part 58 formed in the right side wall 36 </ b> R has a front part protruding rightward from the rear part.

  The lower flange 59 is formed in a substantially L shape in a side view that protrudes rightward continuously from the lower end and the rear end of the rear portion of the right side wall 36R.

  The engaging portion 47 includes a pair of wall-side projecting portions 42 provided on the left side wall 36L and a pair of wall-side recessed portions 43 provided on the right side wall 36R.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the pair of wall-side protrusions 42 are disposed to face each other so as to sandwich the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 of the left side wall 36 </ b> L.

  Specifically, the pair of wall-side protrusions 42 are arranged one by one on the upper side of the developing roller shaft exposed groove 40 and on the lower side of the developing roller shaft exposed groove 40.

  Each wall-side protruding portion 42 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes leftward from the left surface of the left side wall 36L.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the pair of wall-side recesses 43 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 of the right side wall 36 </ b> R.

  Specifically, the pair of wall-side depressions 43 are arranged one by one on the upper side of the developing roller shaft exposed groove 40 and on the lower side of the developing roller shaft exposed groove 40.

  Each wall-side recess 43 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view that is recessed leftward from the right surface of the right side wall 36R.

  The screw holes 48 are formed in a substantially circular shape in a side view, and two screw holes 48 are formed on each side wall 36.

  Specifically, in the left side wall 36L, as shown in FIG. 4, each screw hole 48 is formed on the front side of the agitator shaft exposure hole 41 and on the lower side of the lower wall side protruding portion 42.

  Further, in the right side wall 36R, each screw hole 48 is formed on the front side of the agitator shaft exposure hole 41 and the lower side of the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39, as shown in FIG.

  Two fitting holes 60 are formed in each side wall 36.

  Specifically, in the left side wall 36L, as shown in FIG. 4, each fitting hole 60 is formed corresponding to a fitting protrusion 107 (described later, see FIG. 6A) of the bearing member 51 (described later), Specifically, an upper fitting hole 133 formed on the front side of the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 and a lower fitting hole 134 formed on the front side of the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 are provided.

  The upper fitting hole 133 and the lower fitting hole 134 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view and are formed so as to penetrate the left side wall 36L in the left-right direction.

  Further, in the right side wall 36R, as shown in FIG. 5, each fitting hole 60 is formed corresponding to a fitting protrusion 103 (described later, see FIG. 6B) of an electrode member 81 (described later). Includes a lower fitting hole 97 formed on the lower front side of the lower wall side recess 43 and an upper fitting hole 98 formed on the front end of the upper flange 58.

  The lower fitting hole 97 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view and is formed so as to penetrate the right side wall 36R in the left-right direction.

  The upper fitting hole 98 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and is formed so as to penetrate the left end portion of the upper flange portion 58 in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front wall 37 extends in the left-right direction and extends between the front end portions of the side walls 36.

The lower wall 38 extends between the lower end portions of the side walls 36 so as to extend in the left-right direction and to be continuous with the lower end portions of the front wall 37.
(1-2) 2nd frame The 2nd frame 35 is connected with the front side part of the both-sides wall 36 of the 1st frame 34, and the upper end part of the front wall 37, and is formed in the flat-plate shape of planar view substantially rectangular shape. . A layer thickness regulating blade 28 is disposed at the rear end portion of the second frame 35 so as to come into contact with the developing roller 16 from above (see FIG. 1).
(2) Drive Unit As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the drive unit 32 includes a bearing member 51 as an example of a first support member, a gear train 52, and a drive side gear cover 53 as an example of a cover member. ing.
(2-1) Bearing Member As shown in FIG. 4, the bearing member 51 is formed in a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in a side view. The bearing member 51 includes a developing roller shaft support hole 54 as an example of a first developing support portion, a pair of bearing side recesses 49 (see FIG. 6A) as an example of a positioning portion, and a supply roller shaft support hole 55. And a coupling support shaft 56 as an example of a passive member support portion, an idle gear support shaft 57, a fitting protrusion 107 (see FIG. 6A), and a through hole 110 (see FIG. 6A). ing.

  The developing roller shaft support hole 54 is formed in a substantially circular shape in a side view at the upper rear end portion of the bearing member 51. The inner diameter of the developing roller shaft support hole 54 is formed to be substantially the same diameter (slightly larger) as the outer diameter of the left exposed portion 74 of the developing roller shaft 30.

  The pair of bearing-side recesses 49 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the developing roller shaft support hole 54 corresponding to each wall-side protrusion 42. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, one pair of bearing-side recesses 49 are arranged one by one above the developing roller shaft support hole 54 and below the developing roller shaft support hole 54. Yes. Each bearing-side recess 49 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side, and is formed so as to penetrate the bearing member 51 in the left-right direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the supply roller shaft support hole 55 is formed in a substantially circular shape in side view on the front lower side of the developing roller shaft support hole 54. The inner diameter of the supply roller shaft support hole 55 is formed to be substantially the same (slightly larger) as the outer diameter of the supply roller shaft 29.

  The coupling support shaft 56 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes leftward from the left surface of the bearing member 51 on the front side of the developing roller shaft support hole 54 and on the upper side of the supply roller shaft support hole 55.

  The idle gear support shaft 57 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes leftward from the left surface of the bearing member 51 at the front end portion of the bearing member 51.

  Two fitting protrusions 107 are provided so as to correspond to the upper fitting hole 133 and the lower fitting hole 134 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the fitting protrusion 107 corresponding to the upper fitting hole 133 is formed so as to protrude rightward from the right surface of the bearing member 51 on the front side of the developing roller shaft support hole 54, and its free end portion is upward. It is formed in a bent bowl shape. The fitting protrusion 107 corresponding to the lower fitting hole 134 is formed so as to protrude rightward from the right surface of the bearing member 51 on the front lower side of the supply roller shaft support hole 55 at the lower end edge of the bearing member 51. The free end portion is formed in a bowl shape that bends downward.

  The through hole 110 is formed below the lower bearing side recess 49 of the bearing member 51 corresponding to the screw hole 48 on the rear side of the left side wall 36L. Further, the peripheral end portion of the through hole 110 is formed as a sandwiched portion 108.

The bearing member 51 is mounted on the left side of the left side wall 36L, which will be described in detail later.
(2-2) Gear train As shown in FIG. 4, the gear train 52 includes a development coupling 61, a development gear 62, a supply gear 63, an idle gear 64, and a first agitator gear as examples of a passive member and a coupling member. 72 and a second agitator gear 78 (see FIG. 5).

  The development coupling 61 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and integrally includes a large-diameter gear portion 65, a small-diameter gear portion 66, and a coupling portion 67.

  The large diameter gear portion 65 is provided at the right end portion of the developing coupling 61. Gear teeth are formed on the circumferential surface of the large-diameter gear portion 65 over the entire circumference.

  The small-diameter gear portion 66 has a smaller diameter than the large-diameter gear portion 65 and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape whose central axis coincides with the large-diameter gear portion 65. Gear teeth are formed on the circumferential surface of the small-diameter gear portion 66 over the entire circumference.

  The coupling part 67 has a smaller diameter than the small-diameter gear part 66 and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape whose central axis coincides with the large-diameter gear part 65. A coupling recess 68 that is recessed to the right is formed on the left side surface of the coupling portion 67. A tip of a main body coupling (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2 (an example of the outside) is inserted into the coupling recess 68 in a state in which the developing cartridge 25 is mounted in the main body casing 2 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The driving force is input from the main casing 2 through the main body coupling (not shown).

  The developing gear 62 is attached to the left end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 in a relatively non-rotatable manner (described later), and meshes with the large-diameter gear portion 65 of the developing coupling 61 from the rear side.

  The supply gear 63 is attached to the left end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 so as not to be relatively rotatable (described later), and meshed with the large-diameter gear portion 65 of the developing coupling 61 from the lower rear side.

  The idle gear 64 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and integrally includes a large-diameter portion 71 constituting the left half thereof and a small-diameter portion 70 constituting the right half thereof.

  The large diameter portion 71 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction.

  The small diameter part 70 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending from the right surface of the large diameter part 71 to the right side so as to share the central axis with the large diameter part 71. When the idle gear 64 is supported on the idle gear support shaft 57 (described later), the large-diameter portion 71 is engaged with the small-diameter gear portion 66 of the developing coupling 61 from the front lower side, and the small-diameter portion 70 is connected to the developing cup. The ring 61 is disposed on the front lower side of the large-diameter gear portion 65 with a space therebetween.

  The first agitator gear 72 is attached to the left end portion of the agitator shaft 76 so as not to be relatively rotatable (described later), and meshes with the small diameter portion 70 of the idle gear 64 from the front upper side.

The second agitator gear 78 is attached to the right end portion of the agitator shaft 76 on the right side of the right side wall 36R so as not to be relatively rotatable (see FIG. 5 described later). Further, the number of teeth of the second agitator gear 78 is smaller than the number of teeth of the first agitator gear 72.
(2-3) Drive-side gear cover The drive-side gear cover 53 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The drive side gear cover 53 is formed in a size (length in the front-rear direction and length in the vertical direction) that can cover the development coupling 61, the supply gear 63, the idle gear 64, and the first agitator gear 72 at once.

  Further, the drive side gear cover 53 is formed with a coupling exposure opening 73 and a left screw insertion hole 90.

  The coupling exposure opening 73 has a substantially circular shape in a side view so that the left surface (coupling recess 68) of the coupling portion 67 of the developing coupling 61 is exposed at a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction of the left wall of the drive side gear cover 53. It is formed through.

  Further, the left screw insertion hole 90 has a substantially circular shape in a side view so that each screw hole 48 of the left side wall 36L is exposed at the front end portion and the rear end portion (see FIG. 7A) of the drive side gear cover 53. It is formed through. Further, the peripheral end portion of the rear left screw insertion hole 90 is formed as a clamping portion 109 (see FIG. 7A).

The drive-side gear cover 53 includes a developing coupling 61 (excluding the left surface of the coupling portion 67 (the coupling recess 68)), the supply gear 63, the idle gear 64, and the first agitator gear 72, which will be described in detail later. Then, it is screwed to the left side wall 36L so as to cover it.
(3) Power Supply Unit As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the power supply unit 33 includes an electrode member 81 as an example of a second support member, a new article detection gear 82 as an example of a detected rotating body, and a cover member. As an example, a power supply side gear cover 83 is provided.
(3-1) Electrode Member As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6B, the electrode member 81 is formed from a conductive resin material (for example, conductive polyacetal resin) or the like into a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in side view. ing. The electrode member 81 includes a main body portion 94 and a detection gear support portion 88 as an example of a detected rotating body support portion.

  The main body 94 is formed in a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in side view. The main body portion 94 is formed with an upper notch 99 at the center in the front-rear direction at the upper end, and a lower notch 100 is formed at the front lower end.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (b), the upper notch 99 is formed by being cut out in a substantially L shape in side view, which is recessed downward, corresponding to the front side portion of the upper flange 58 of the right side wall 36R. Has been.

  Further, the lower notch 100 is formed by being cut out in a substantially L shape in a side view that is recessed upward so that the lower screw hole 48 of the right side wall 36R is exposed.

  The main body 94 includes a developing roller shaft support hole 84 as an example of a second developing support portion, a developing roller shaft collar 87 as an example of a covering portion, a pair of bearing side protrusions 50 as an example of a positioning portion, It has a supply roller shaft support portion 85 and a fitting projection 103.

  The developing roller shaft support hole 84 is formed in a substantially circular shape in the upper rear end portion of the main body portion 94. The inner diameter of the developing roller shaft support hole 84 is formed to be approximately the same diameter (slightly larger) as the right exposed portion 75 (see FIG. 5) of the developing roller shaft 30.

  The developing roller shaft collar 87 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding rightward from the peripheral edge of the developing roller shaft support hole 84.

  The pair of bearing-side protrusions 50 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the developing roller shaft support hole 84 corresponding to each wall-side depression 43. Specifically, the pair of bearing-side protrusions 50 are arranged one by one on the upper side of the developing roller shaft support hole 84 and on the lower side of the developing roller shaft support hole 84.

  Each bearing-side protruding portion 50 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes leftward from the left surface of the main body portion 94.

  The supply roller shaft support portion 85 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending leftward from the left surface of the main body portion 94 on the front lower side of the developing roller shaft support hole 84. The inner diameter of the supply roller shaft support portion 85 is formed to be approximately the same diameter (slightly larger) as the outer diameter of the supply roller shaft 29.

  Two fitting protrusions 103 are provided so as to correspond to the lower fitting hole 97 and the upper fitting hole 98. Specifically, the fitting protrusion 103 corresponding to the lower fitting hole 97 is formed so as to protrude leftward from the left surface of the main body portion 94 at the rear lower end portion of the main body portion 94, and its free end portion is downward. It is formed in a bent bowl shape. Further, the fitting protrusion 103 corresponding to the upper fitting hole 98 is formed so as to protrude leftward from the upper end edge of the upper notch 99, and is formed in a bowl shape whose free end is bent upward. .

  The detection gear support 88 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding rightward from the right surface of the main body 94 at the front end of the main body 94 above the lower notch 100, and is communicated in the left-right direction.

The electrode member 81 is attached to the right side of the right side wall 36R, as will be described in detail later.
(3-2) New article detection gear As shown in FIG. 5, the new article detection gear 82 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction.

  The new product detection gear 82 is integrally provided with a chipped gear 96 and a detected end portion 95.

  The chipped gear 96 is provided at the left end portion of the new article detection gear 82 and is formed in a substantially disc shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. Gear teeth are formed on the peripheral surface of the chipped gear 96 at a portion where the central angle is about 205 °. That is, a tooth portion 101 in which gear teeth are formed and a chipped tooth portion 102 in which gear teeth are not formed are formed on the peripheral surface of the toothless gear 96.

  The detected end portion 95 is provided at the right end portion of the new article detection gear 82. Further, an opening 104 is formed in the detected end portion 95 and communicates with the internal space of the new article detection gear 82.

In the state where the developing cartridge 25 is mounted in the main casing 2, the operation of the detected end portion 95 is detected by a CPU (not shown) provided in the main casing 2 as an example of an external detection unit. As a result, a new product of the developing cartridge 25 is detected. Specifically, due to the operation of the detected end portion 95, a detection gear support portion 88 (described later) exposed from the opening 104 comes into contact with a main body electrode (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2, and the contact is made. When a CPU (not shown) detects, a new product of the developing cartridge 25 is detected.
(3-3) Power Supply Side Gear Cover As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply side gear cover 83 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the right end. The power supply side gear cover 83 is formed in a size (length in the front-rear direction and length in the vertical direction) that can cover the new article detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 72 together.

  Further, the power supply side gear cover 83 is formed with a new product detection gear exposure opening 111 and a right screw insertion hole 112.

  The new product detection gear exposure opening 111 is formed in a substantially circular shape in a side view so as to expose the detected end portion 95 of the new product detection gear 82 at the substantially central portion in the front-rear direction of the right wall of the power supply side gear cover 83. .

  Further, the right screw insertion hole 112 is formed in a substantially circular shape in a side view so as to expose each screw hole 48 of the corresponding right wall 36R at the front end portion and the rear lower end portion of the drive side gear cover 53.

As will be described in detail later, the power supply side gear cover 83 is screwed to the right side wall 36R so as to cover the chipped gear 96 of the new article detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78 together. .
3. Assembly of Drive Unit and Power Supply Unit to Cartridge Frame Next, assembly of the drive unit 32 and the power supply unit 33 to the cartridge frame 31 will be described.

  In order to assemble the drive unit 32 and the power supply unit 33 to the cartridge frame 31, the drive unit 32 is assembled to the left side wall 36L, and the power supply unit 33 is assembled to the right side wall 36R from the outside in the left-right direction.

  In order to assemble the drive unit 32 to the left side wall 36L, first, as shown in FIG. 4, the bearing member 51 is assembled to the left side wall 36L.

  To attach the bearing member 51 to the left side wall 36L, the left exposed portion 74 is inserted into the developing roller shaft support hole 54, and the left end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 is inserted into the supply roller shaft support hole 55. The bearing member 51 is assembled to the left side wall 36L.

  At this time, each wall side protrusion 42 of the left side wall 36L engages with each corresponding bearing side recess 49. As a result, the bearing member 51 is positioned with respect to the left side wall 36L.

  Each fitting protrusion 107 (see FIG. 6A) is fitted into the corresponding upper fitting hole 133 and lower fitting hole 134.

  Further, the coupling support shaft 56 is disposed on the left side of the rear end portion of the front side portion of the left side wall 36L corresponding to the toner containing portion 79.

  Thereby, the bearing member 51 is assembled to the left side wall 36L.

  Next, the gear train 52 is assembled to the bearing member 51, the developing roller shaft 30, the supply roller shaft 29 and the agitator shaft 76.

  Specifically, the coupling support shaft 56 is inserted into the inner space of the development coupling 61 from the right side. As a result, the development coupling 61 is supported on the coupling support shaft 56 so as to be relatively rotatable.

  Then, the developing gear 62 is attached to the left exposed portion 74 located on the left side of the developing roller shaft support hole 54 so as not to rotate relative to the large diameter gear portion 65 of the developing coupling 61 from the rear side. Further, the supply gear 63 is attached to the left end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 located on the left side of the supply roller shaft support hole 55 so as to be relatively unrotatable so as to mesh with the large-diameter gear portion 65 from the lower rear side.

  The first agitator gear 72 is attached to the left end portion of the agitator shaft 76 so as not to be relatively rotatable.

  The large-diameter portion 71 of the idle gear 64 is engaged from the front lower side of the small-diameter gear portion 66 of the developing coupling 61, and the small-diameter portion 70 of the idle gear 64 is engaged from the rear lower side of the first agitator gear 72. In addition, the idle gear support shaft 57 is inserted into the internal space of the idle gear 64 from the right side. Thereby, the idle gear 64 is supported by the idle gear support shaft 57 so as to be relatively rotatable.

  Accordingly, the gear train 52 (excluding the second agitator gear 78) is assembled to the bearing member 51, the developing roller shaft 30, the supply roller shaft 29, and the agitator shaft 76.

  Next, the drive side gear cover 53 is assembled to the left side wall 36L.

  In order to assemble the drive side gear cover 53 to the left side wall 36L, the left surface (coupling recess 68) of the coupling portion 67 of the developing coupling 61 is exposed through the coupling exposure opening 73 and the gear train 52 is covered. The drive side gear cover 53 is assembled from the left side to the left side wall 36L.

  Then, the corresponding screw holes 48 are exposed from the left screw insertion holes 90.

  Then, the two screw members 105 are screwed into the screw holes 48 through the left screw insertion holes 90, and the drive side gear cover 53 is fixed to the left wall 36L.

  Thus, the drive unit 32 is assembled to the left side wall 36L.

  At this time, the upper end edge of the bearing member 51 and the upper flange portion 58 of the left side wall 36L face each other in the vertical direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, the sandwiched portion 108 (see FIG. 6A) of the bearing member 51 includes the left surface of the sandwiching portion 109 of the drive side gear cover 53 and the rear end portion of the left side wall 36L. Is sandwiched between the right side of

  In order to assemble the power supply unit 33 to the right side wall 36R, as shown in FIG. 5, first, the second agitator gear 78 is attached to the right end portion of the agitator shaft 76 on the right side of the right side wall 36R so as not to be relatively rotatable.

  Next, the electrode member 81 is assembled to the right side wall 36R.

  To assemble the electrode member 81 to the right side wall 36R, the right exposed portion 75 is inserted into the developing roller shaft support hole 84 and the developing roller shaft collar 87, and the right end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 is connected to the supply roller shaft support portion 85. The electrode member 81 is assembled to the right side wall 36R so as to be inserted.

  At this time, each bearing side protrusion part 50 (refer FIG.6 (b)) of the electrode member 81 engages with each wall side recessed part 43 of 36 R of corresponding right side walls. Thereby, the electrode member 81 is positioned with respect to the right side wall 36R.

  Each fitting protrusion 103 (see FIG. 6B) is fitted into the corresponding lower fitting hole 97 and upper fitting hole 98. The developing roller shaft collar 87 covers the right exposed portion 75.

  Thereby, the electrode member 81 is assembled | attached to the right side wall 36R.

  Then, the left exposed portion 74 is rotatably supported by the developing roller shaft support hole 54, the right exposed portion 75 is rotatably supported by the developing roller shaft support hole 84, and the developing roller 16 is rotatably supported by the both side walls 36.

  Further, both left and right end portions of the supply roller shaft 29 are rotatably supported by the supply roller shaft support hole 55 and the supply roller shaft support portion 85, respectively, and the supply roller 27 is rotatably supported by the side walls 36.

  Next, the new article detection gear 82 is assembled to the electrode member 81.

In order to assemble the new article detection gear 82 to the electrode member 81, the new article detection gear 82 is fitted to the detection gear support section 88 from the right side so that the tooth portion 101 is engaged with the second agitator gear 78 from the rear side. Thereby, the new article detection gear 82 is supported by the detection gear support part 88 so that relative rotation is possible.

  At this time, the right end of the detection gear support 88 is exposed from the opening 104.

  Therefore, when a new article of the developing cartridge 25 is detected, when the detection gear support 88 and a body electrode (not shown) provided on the body casing 2 come into contact with each other through the opening 104, the body electrode ( Electric power is supplied from the not shown) to the detection gear support 88. Then, an electric signal via the detection gear support 88 is detected by a CPU (not shown), and a new product of the developing cartridge 25 is detected.

  Next, the power supply side gear cover 83 is assembled to the right side wall 36R.

  To assemble the power supply side gear cover 83 to the right side wall 36R, the power supply side gear cover 83 is assembled to the right side wall 36R from the right side so that the detected end portion 95 of the new product detection gear 82 is exposed through the new product detection gear exposure opening 111. .

  Then, each screw hole 48 is exposed from each right screw insertion hole 112.

  Then, the two screw members 105 are screwed into the screw holes 48 through the right screw insertion holes 112, and the power supply side gear cover 83 is fixed to the right wall 36R.

  Thereby, the power supply unit 33 is assembled to the right side wall 36R.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 7B, the upper end edge of the main body portion 94 of the electrode member 81 and the upper flange portion 58 of the right side wall 36R face each other in the vertical direction. Further, the lower portion of the rear end edge of the main body portion 94 and the rear portion of the lower flange portion 59 face each other in the front-rear direction, and the lower end edge of the main body portion 94 and the lower portion of the lower flange portion 59 are Opposite the vertical direction.

  As described above, the drive unit 32 and the power supply unit 33 are assembled to the cartridge frame 31.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 7B, the rear upper end portion of the new article detection gear 82 is arranged to overlap the developing coupling 61 when projected in the left-right direction.
4). Effect (1) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the developing cartridge 25 includes a cartridge frame 31, a bearing member 51, and an electrode member 81.

  The bearing member 51 includes a coupling support shaft 56, and the electrode member 81 includes a detection gear support portion 88.

  The development coupling 61 is supported on the coupling support shaft 56 so as to be relatively rotatable, and the new article detection gear 82 is supported on the detection gear support 88 so as to be relatively rotatable.

  Therefore, the development coupling 61 and the new article detection gear 82 can be disposed on both side walls 36 (the left side wall 36L and the right side wall 36R), respectively. That is, the cartridge frame 31 can be downsized, and the developing cartridge 25 can be downsized.

  Further, since the bearing member 51, the electrode member 81, and the cartridge frame 31 are provided separately, it is possible to prevent the coupling support shaft 56 and the detection gear support portion 88 from being damaged when the cartridge frame 31 is transported.

Therefore, the developing cartridge 25 can prevent the coupling support shaft 56 and the detection gear support portion 88 from being damaged while the size can be reduced.
(2) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the new article detection gear 82 is projected in the left-right direction, the upper end portion thereof and the developing coupling 61 overlap thereafter. Are arranged as follows.

Therefore, the new article detection gear 82 and the development coupling 61 can be arranged at positions close to each other when projected in the left-right direction, and the development cartridge 25 can be further downsized.
(3) The bearing member 51 supports the developing coupling 61 and also supports the left exposed portion 74 of the developing roller shaft 30 in a rotatable manner. The left exposed portion 74 is provided with a developing gear 62 that meshes with the developing coupling 61.

Therefore, since the relative positional relationship between the development coupling 61 and the left exposed portion 74 (development gear 62) can be kept constant, the driving force from the main casing 2 input to the development coupling 61 is It can be transmitted to the developing roller 16 with high accuracy.
(4) Moreover, the electrode member 81 is formed from a conductive resin material (for example, a conductive polyacetal resin). Then, electric power is supplied to the detection gear support 88 from a main body electrode (not shown) during the new article detection operation.

Therefore, since power can be supplied from the main body electrode (not shown) to the detection gear support 88 using the electrode member 81, the number of parts can be reduced.
(5) Further, the developing cartridge 25 includes a drive side gear cover 53 and a power supply side gear cover 83 as shown in FIGS.

  The drive side gear cover 53 is fixed to the left side wall 36L so as to cover the development coupling 61 (excluding the coupling recess 68). The power supply side gear cover 83 is fixed to the right side wall 36R so as to cover the new article detection gear 82 (excluding the detected end portion 95).

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the clamping portion 109 of the drive side gear cover 53 clamps the clamped portion 108 of the bearing member 51 between the rear end portion of the left side wall 36L.

Therefore, the bearing member 51 can be reliably fixed to the cartridge frame 31. As a result, the bearing member 51 and the electrode member 81 can be prevented from dropping from the cartridge frame 31, and the positioning accuracy of the developing roller 16 with respect to the cartridge frame 31 can be improved.
(6) Further, in a state where the bearing member 51 is fixed to the left side wall 36L, the upper end edge of the bearing member 51 and the upper flange portion 58 of the left side wall 36L face each other in the vertical direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the state where the electrode member 81 is fixed to the right side wall 36R, the upper end edge of the main body portion 94 of the electrode member 81 and the upper flange portion 58 of the right side wall 36R are Opposite in direction. Furthermore, the lower part of the rear end edge of the main body part 94 and the rear side part of the lower flange part 59 are opposed in the front-rear direction, and the lower end edge of the main body part 94 and the lower part of the lower flange part 59 are Opposite the vertical direction.

  Therefore, the movement of the bearing member 51 in the vertical direction relative to the left side wall 36L is restricted, and the movement of the electrode member 81 in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction relative to the right side wall 36R is restricted.

As a result, the positioning accuracy of the bearing member 51 and the electrode member 81 with respect to the both side walls 36 can be improved.
(7) The electrode member 81 includes a developing roller shaft collar 87 as shown in FIG.

  The developing roller shaft collar 87 covers the right exposed portion 75 of the developing roller shaft 30 as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the developing roller shaft support hole 84 and the developing roller shaft collar 87 can reliably support the right exposed portion 75.

As a result, the positioning accuracy with respect to the both side walls 36 of the developing roller 16 can be further improved.
5. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 8A is a perspective view seen from the upper right side of the bearing member (electrode member) in the second embodiment of the developing cartridge of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view seen from the upper left side of the bearing member. is there.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the first frame and the bearing member (electrode member) in the second embodiment of the developing cartridge of the present invention.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view seen from the lower right side of the right side wall of the first frame shown in FIG.

8 to 10, portions corresponding to the respective portions shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the respective portions, and the description thereof is omitted.
(51) Bearing member (electrode member)
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bearing member 51 and the electrode member 81 are formed in different shapes, but in the second embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 8 and 9 are used. As shown in FIG. 1, a bearing member 115 as an example of a first support member and an electrode member 116 as an example of a second support member are formed in the same shape from the same mold.

  The bearing member 115 (electrode member 116) is formed of a conductive resin material (for example, conductive polyacetal resin), and is formed in a flat plate shape having a substantially rectangular shape in side view as shown in FIG.

  The bearing member 115 (electrode member 116) includes a developing roller shaft support hole 117 as an example of a first development support portion, a pair of bearing side recesses 119 as an example of a positioning portion, and a supply roller shaft support hole 120. The through hole 125 is provided.

  The developing roller shaft support hole 117 is formed in a substantially circular shape in side view at the upper rear end portion of the bearing member 115. The inner diameter of the developing roller shaft support hole 117 is formed to be substantially the same diameter (slightly larger) as the outer diameters of the left exposed portion 74 and the right exposed portion 75 of the developing roller shaft 30.

  The pair of bearing-side depressions 119 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the developing roller shaft support hole 117 corresponding to each wall-side protrusion 127 (described later). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the pair of bearing-side recesses 119 are disposed one by one above the developing roller shaft support hole 54 and below the developing roller shaft support hole 54. Each bearing-side recess 119 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side, and is formed so as to penetrate the bearing member 115 in the left-right direction.

  The supply roller shaft support hole 120 is formed in a substantially circular shape in side view on the front lower side of the developing roller shaft support hole 117. The inner diameter of the supply roller shaft support hole 120 is formed to be approximately the same diameter (slightly larger) as the outer diameter of the supply roller shaft 29.

  Two through holes 125 are formed corresponding to each screw hole 48 of the left side wall 36L (each screw hole 48 of the right side wall 36R). Specifically, the front end portion and the rear end portion of the lower end portion of the bearing member 115 are formed. Part. Further, the peripheral end portion of the through hole 125 is formed as a sandwiched portion 126.

  A left supply roller shaft collar 122 and a coupling support shaft 123 as an example of a passive member support portion are provided on the left surface of the bearing member 115 (electrode member 116).

  The left supply roller shaft collar 122 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding leftward from the peripheral edge portion of the supply roller shaft support hole 120.

  The coupling support shaft 123 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes leftward from the left surface of the bearing member 115 on the front upper side of the left supply roller shaft collar 122. The left supply roller shaft collar 122 and the coupling support shaft 123 are formed integrally with the bearing member 115 (electrode member 116).

  Further, on the right surface of the bearing member 115 (electrode member 116), a developing roller shaft collar 118, a right supply roller shaft collar 121 as an example of a covering portion, and a detection gear support portion 124 of the detected rotating body support portion are provided. Is provided.

  The developing roller shaft collar 118 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding rightward from the peripheral edge of the developing roller shaft support hole 117. The outer diameter of the developing roller shaft collar 118 is formed to be approximately the same diameter as the groove width (vertical length) of the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 (see FIG. 9).

  The right supply roller shaft collar 121 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape projecting rightward from the peripheral portion of the supply roller shaft support hole 120 on the front lower side of the developing roller shaft collar 118.

  The detection gear support 124 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding rightward from the right surface of the bearing member 115 on the front upper side of the right supply roller shaft collar 121, and is arranged so that the center axis of the coupling support shaft 123 coincides. Has been. The outer diameter of the detection gear support 124 is formed larger than the outer diameter of the coupling support shaft 123. The developing roller shaft collar 118, the right supply roller shaft collar 121, and the detection gear support portion 124 are formed integrally with the bearing member 115 (electrode member 116).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the bearing member 115 is disposed such that the right surface thereof and the left surface of the left side wall 36L face each other in the left-right direction, and the electrode member 116 includes the left surface and the right surface of the right side wall 36R. Arranged to face each other.

  In the bearing member 115, the detection gear support 124 is formed as an example of a first protrusion, and in the electrode member 116, the coupling support shaft 123 is formed as an example of a second protrusion.

That is, the detection gear support 124 of the bearing member 115 and the detection gear support 124 of the electrode member 116 have the same shape, and the coupling support shaft 123 of the electrode member 116 and the coupling support shaft 123 of the bearing member 115. Is the same shape.
(5-2) First Frame As shown in FIG. 9, a first accommodation hole 130 is formed in the left side wall 36 </ b> L facing the bearing member 115 in the left-right direction.

  The first accommodation hole 130 is formed in front of the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 in the left side wall 36L corresponding to the developing roller shaft collar 118, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view. The vertical length and the horizontal length of the first accommodation hole 130 are formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the developing roller shaft collar 118.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a pair of wall side protrusions 127 and a second accommodation hole 131 are formed in the right side wall 36 </ b> R facing the electrode member 116 in the left-right direction.

  The pair of wall-side protrusions 127 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 of the right side wall 36R. Specifically, the pair of wall-side protrusions 127 are arranged one by one on the upper side of the developing roller shaft exposed groove 40 and on the lower side of the developing roller shaft exposed groove 40.

  Each wall-side protrusion 127 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes rightward from the right surface of the right side wall 36R.

The second accommodation hole 131 is formed on the front side of the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 in the right side wall 36R corresponding to the coupling support shaft 123, and is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side. The inner diameter of the second accommodation hole 131 is formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the coupling support shaft 123.
(5-3) Assembly of Bearing Member and Electrode Member to First Frame When the bearing member 115 is assembled to the left side wall 36L, the left exposed portion 74 is inserted into the developing roller shaft collar 118 and the developing roller shaft support hole 117. At the same time, the left end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 is inserted into the right supply roller shaft collar 121, the supply roller shaft support hole 120, and the left supply roller shaft collar 122 (see FIG. 4). Each corresponding screw hole 48 is exposed from each through hole 125.

  At this time, each wall side protrusion 42 of the left side wall 36L engages with each corresponding bearing side recess 119.

  Further, the developing roller shaft collar 118 is accommodated in the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40, and the right supply roller shaft collar 121 is accommodated in the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39.

  Further, the detection gear support portion 124 is fitted in the first accommodation hole 130.

  Thus, the bearing member 115 is positioned with respect to the left side wall 36L.

  Next, as described above, after the gear train 52 and the drive side gear cover 53 are assembled to the left side wall 36L, the two screw members 105 are respectively connected to the screw holes 48 via the left side screw insertion holes 90 and the through holes 125. The drive side gear cover 53 is fixed to the left side wall 36L by screwing. Then, each sandwiched portion 126 is sandwiched between the peripheral end portion of each screw hole 48 in the left side wall 36L and the peripheral end portion of each left screw insertion hole 90 in the drive side gear cover 53.

  When the electrode member 116 is assembled to the right side wall 36R, the right exposed portion 75 is inserted into the developing roller shaft support hole 117 and the developing roller shaft collar 118, and the right end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 is connected to the left supply roller shaft collar 122. (See FIG. 4). Each corresponding screw hole 48 is exposed from each through hole 125.

  At this time, each wall-side protrusion 127 (see FIG. 10) of the right side wall 36R engages with each corresponding bearing-side recess 119.

  Further, the developing roller shaft collar 118 is disposed so as to cover the right exposed portion 75, and the left supply roller shaft collar 122 is accommodated in the supply roller shaft exposing hole 39.

  Further, the coupling support shaft 123 is fitted in the second accommodation hole 131.

  Thereby, the electrode member 116 is positioned with respect to the right side wall 36R.

  Next, as described above, after the new article detection gear 82 and the power supply side gear cover 83 are assembled to the right side wall 36R, the two screw members 105 are connected to the screw holes 48 through the right side screw insertion holes 112 and the through holes 125, respectively. The power supply side gear cover 83 is fixed to the right side wall 36R. Then, each sandwiched portion 126 is sandwiched between the peripheral end portion of each screw hole 48 in the right side wall 36 </ b> R and the peripheral end portion of each right screw insertion hole 112 in the power supply side gear cover 83.

  As described above, the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116 are fixed to the first frame 34.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116 are arranged so that the shapes when projected in the left-right direction are the same.

  That is, when projected in the left-right direction, corresponding portions of the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116 coincide with each other so as to overlap each other.

  Specifically, when projected in the left-right direction, the developing roller shaft support hole 117 of the bearing member 115 and the developing roller shaft support hole 117 of the electrode member 116 coincide with each other so as to overlap each other. The bearing side recess 119 and the developing roller shaft support hole 117 of the electrode member 116 coincide with each other so as to overlap each other.

That is, when the bearing side recesses 119 of the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116, the wall side protrusions 42 of the left side wall 36L, and the wall side protrusions 127 of the right side wall 36R are projected in the left-right direction. Are arranged so as to coincide with each other.
6). Action Effect (1) The bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116 are formed in the same shape from the same mold as shown in FIGS.

Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the developing cartridge 25 can be reduced.
(2) Further, when projected in the left-right direction, the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116 are arranged so as to have the same shape.

  That is, when projected in the left-right direction, the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116 are arranged such that their corresponding portions coincide with each other.

  Specifically, when projected in the left-right direction, the developing roller shaft support hole 117 of the bearing member 115 and the developing roller shaft support hole 117 of the electrode member 116 coincide with each other so that they overlap each other. The recess 119 and the developing roller shaft support hole 117 of the electrode member 116 coincide with each other so as to overlap each other.

  Therefore, the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116 can be accurately positioned with respect to the side walls 36 and can support the developing roller 16 with high accuracy.

As a result, the positioning accuracy of the developing roller 16 with respect to the side walls 36 can be improved.
(3) Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the bearing member 115 is disposed to face the left side wall 36L in the left-right direction, and the electrode member 116 is arranged to face the right side wall 36R in the left-right direction.

That is, since the developing roller shaft 30 is rotatably supported by the side walls 36, the positioning accuracy of the developing roller 16 with respect to the first frame 34 can be improved.
(4) Further, the detection gear support portion 124 of the bearing member 115 is fitted into the first accommodation hole 130 of the left side wall 36L, and the coupling support shaft 123 of the electrode member 116 is fitted to the second accommodation hole 131 of the right side wall 36R. It is fitted inside.

  Therefore, while having a simple configuration, the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116 can be reliably mounted on the side walls 36 and can be positioned with respect to the side walls 36.

  As a result, it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy with respect to the side walls 36 of the developing roller 16.

  Further, the detection gear support 124 and the coupling support shaft 123 are formed integrally with the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116.

  The bearing member 115 is positioned with respect to the left side wall 36L by fitting the detection gear support portion 124 into the first accommodation hole 130, and the electrode support member 123 is accommodated in the second accommodation space of the coupling support shaft 123. By being fitted in the hole 131, the hole 131 is positioned with respect to the right side wall 36R.

  That is, since the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116 are positioned on the corresponding side wall 36 by the integrally formed detection gear support portion 124 and the coupling support shaft 123, both side walls 36 of the bearing member 115 and the electrode member 116 are positioned. The positioning accuracy with respect to can be improved.

16 Developing roller 25 Developing cartridge 30 Developing roller shaft 31 Cartridge frame 49 Bearing-side recess 50 Bearing-side protrusion 51 Bearing member 53 Drive-side gear cover 54 Developing roller shaft support hole 56 Coupling support shaft 61 Development coupling 74 Left exposed portion 75 Right exposed portion 81 Electrode member 82 New article detection gear 83 Power supply side gear cover 84 Development roller shaft support hole 87 Development roller shaft collar 88 Detection gear support portion 115 Bearing member 116 Electrode member 117 Development roller shaft support hole 118 Development roller shaft collar 119 Bearing side Recessed portion 123 Coupling support shaft 124 Detection gear support portion 130 First receiving hole 131 Second receiving hole

Claims (13)

A housing configured to contain developer;
A developing roller having a rotating shaft extending in a first direction and having a rotating shaft having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction;
A first developing support portion that rotatably supports the first side of the developing roller; and a passive member support portion that rotatably supports a passive member for receiving an external driving force. A first support member mounted on the body;
A second developing support section that rotatably supports the second side of the developing roller; and a detected rotating body support section that rotatably supports a detected rotating body to be detected by an external detection means. And a second support member attached to the housing.   2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the detected rotating body is arranged such that at least a part of the detected rotating body overlaps the passive member when projected in the first direction.   The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the passive member is a coupling member for receiving an external driving force from the first side. The second support member is formed of a conductive material,
The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein electric power from the outside is supplied to the detected rotating body support portion.   The first support member and the second support member are formed to have the same shape when projected in the first direction. The developing cartridge according to 1. Each of the first support member and the second support member has a positioning portion that is positioned with respect to the housing,
The positioning unit of the first support member and the positioning unit of the second support member are arranged so as to coincide with each other when projected in the first direction. The cartridge described.   The developing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the first support member and the second support member are formed in the same shape from the same mold. The first support member is disposed opposite to the first direction one side of the housing on the other side surface in the first direction.
The developing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the second support member is disposed to face the other side in the first direction of the housing on one side surface in the first direction. The passive member support portion is formed to project from the one side surface in the first direction of the first support member to the one side in the first direction,
The detected rotating body support portion is formed to protrude from the other side surface in the first direction of the second support member to the other side in the first direction,
On the other side surface in the first direction of the first support member, a first protrusion having the same shape as the detected rotating body support portion is provided,
A second protrusion having the same shape as the passive member support is provided on one side surface in the first direction of the second support member.
A first accommodation hole capable of accommodating a first protrusion is formed on one side surface in the first direction of the housing.
The developing cartridge according to claim 8, wherein a second accommodation hole capable of accommodating a second protrusion is formed on the other side surface in the first direction of the housing. The first protrusion is fitted into the first accommodation hole so as to position the first support member.
The developing cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the second protrusion is fitted into the second accommodation hole so as to position the second support member. A cover member that covers at least a part of the passive member or the rotor to be detected;
The said cover member is fixed to the said housing | casing so that at least one part of the said 1st supporting member or the said 2nd supporting member may be pinched | interposed between the said housing | casing. The developing cartridge according to any one of 10.   The housing protrudes outward in the first direction so as to face at least a part of the outer peripheral edge of the first support member or the second support member in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a portion. The said 2nd support member has a coating part which protrudes in the said 1st direction other side so that the said 2nd side of the said rotating shaft may be coat | covered, It is any one of Claim 1 thru | or 12 characterized by the above-mentioned. The developing cartridge according to 1.

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